Adjusting to the mentally and physically demanding aspects of high school can be challenging. Late night study sessions, exhausting sports practices, and last minute essays all take time to adapt to during the first months of school.

Luckily, The Patriot Press interviewed senior Vanessa Varlack and asked her advice for any underclassmen looking to make that adaptation easier. Here are Vanessa’s wise words:

To start off simply, what is your advice for underclassmen?

My advice to underclassmen is to get as involved in Township as you can. I recommend going to all of the activities, games, and every event because your four years go by really fast. Before you know it you won’t be able to do any of that stuff, so definitely take advantage of all the things that Township has to offer.

What advice do you have for underclassmen hoping to make new friends?

Honestly, I would start with going to clubs. When you go to clubs and get involved, that’s how you make most of your friends, because you meet people who have the same interests as you. That’s how I made my friends, through Step.

How do you suggest getting involved?

There’s the activities fair, and if you listen to the morning announcements there’s always announcements for when clubs are meeting. You can also go to Mr. McEvoy and ask him about any clubs. Also, on the website there is a list of clubs and the advisors, and once you ask the advisors when they are meeting  you can always try to go to the meetings. And look around in school, there’s always posters and signs for activities.

What study habits do you recommend?

Always study for a test as soon as you get the information that a test is coming. Do not wait last minute. Study for the test when the test is announced and study a little bit everyday. Prepare yourself, because you don’t want to cram everything into one night.

Are there any specific study methods that you recommend?

Use your notes and the stuff that the teacher gives you, because sometimes the textbooks don’t always have what the teacher wants.

How would you suggest dealing with time/stress management?

Don’t wait last minute. Always do your assignments when they are given to you. Space them out accordingly and never wait last minute because cramming does not help.

What events do you recommend going to during the school year?

I recommend Homecoming; the tailgate is my favorite part. I also look forward to BOTC (Battle of the Classes), it has an intense atmosphere and it’s so much fun. I look forward to basketball games and how involved we get with that.

What methods do you suggest using when working in groups or by yourself?

When you work with groups, make sure the work is divided evenly, don’t give the majority of the work to just one person, or don’t take it upon yourself to do all of the work. Divide up the group work evenly, because the teacher gave you a group assignment for a reason. And when you do an assignment by yourself, like I said before, manage your time, and plan out your schedule accordingly so that you can get it done in the allotted time that the teacher gives you.

Any suggestions on how to pay attention in class and focus?

Don’t go on your phone; the teacher is saying important information, so always pay attention to that. Try to get enough sleep the night before so that you don’t fall asleep during class.

How would you suggest dealing with the pressures of presentations?

Prepare. Definitely prepare before and don’t try to go up there and wing it. Practice your presentation before and remember that you are in front of your peers, and that they are there to help and support you, not to judge you.

Hopefully high school life will be a little bit easier after reading this, and waiting for the bell to ring at 3:00pm will no longer be as stressful!